Hampshire vs Sussex Prediction & Match Preview – T20 Blast 2026

Hampshire host Sussex at the Rose Bowl in the 35th match of the 2026 T20 Blast, a fixture between two sides who know each other well. The conditions should reward early discipline with the ball, and the outcome is likely to depend on which team controls the powerplay and the final overs.

Hampshire are expected to be led by James Vince, with Toby Albert keeping wicket and Joe Weatherley, Hilton Cartwright, Tom Prest and Tristan Stubbs in the middle of the order. Liam Dawson offers spin and runs, while James Fuller, Scott Currie and Chris Wood provide the pace and variety.

Sussex, captained by Tymal Mills, have a top order of Daniel Hughes, Tom Clark and James Coles, with John Simpson, Tom Alsop and Jack Leaning to follow. Danny Briggs and Jack Carson are among their bowling options alongside Fynn Hudson-Prentice and Danny Lamb. Early movement is likely to be on offer, the pitch should ease as the ball ages, and a slower ball or a well-pitched spinner could prove valuable in the middle overs.

Probable playing XI

Pitch report

The Rose Bowl is expected to offer a balanced surface. New-ball bowlers can find swing and seam early, after which the pitch settles and the quick outfield rewards batters. Spinners and bowlers with slower balls can be effective in the middle overs as the surface slows a little. A first-innings total of 170–180 is usually competitive, which makes the powerplay and death overs the decisive phases.

Weather

Cool and slightly breezy weather is forecast at the 7:00 pm local start, with a mix of cloud and sunny spells at around 16–18°C. Passing showers are possible during the day but conditions should improve by the evening. Moderate winds may help seam bowlers, and brief rain interruptions cannot be ruled out entirely.

Expected scores

• 1st innings: 165–180
• 2nd innings: 145–165

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